Former WNBA star, Woman Vols hooper Nikki McCray Penson has died on the age of 51.

Former WNBA star and former Tennessee Woman Volunteer Hooper Nicky McCray Penson Tragically handed away on the age of 51.

The heartbreaking information was confirmed. The Tennessean Friday from Rutgers College, the place McCray-Penson was serving as an assistant coach for the ladies’s basketball staff.

The varsity didn’t launch a explanation for dying… however the Univ. Reporter of the Tenn Maria Cornelius He mentioned McCray-Penson died after a second battle with breast most cancers.

The previous guard starred at Tennessee within the Nineties … profitable SEC Participant of the 12 months twice (1994, 1995) — in addition to incomes two-time Kodak All-American honors.

After her tenure with the Vols, she grew to become a three-time WNBA All-Star … whereas enjoying eight seasons for the Mystics, Fever, Mercury, Silver Stars and Sky.

She additionally gained two Olympic gold medals with Staff USA in her profession … and was inducted into the Ladies’s Basketball Corridor of Fame in 2012.

His teaching tenure started in 2006 … when he was employed as an assistant on the employees at Western Kentucky. She later grew to become the top coach at Outdated Dominion, the place she earned C-USA Coach of the 12 months honors in 2019-2020. He then served as the top coach at Mississippi State earlier than starting his profession at Rutgers in 2022.

McCray-Penson additionally made a major affect off the court docket … he was chosen Invoice Clinton To be a member of the President’s Council on Bodily Health and Sports activities. She was chosen by the Library of Congress as a speaker for the 1999 Ladies’s Historical past Month handle.

The information of his dying has rocked the basketball world… After listening to the information of his demise, many stars are fondly remembering him.

“Nicky McCray: Candy Particular person and Chilly Hooper!”, former NBA star Chris Weber Written “Relaxation in Peace.”

Added. Dick Whittle“So unhappy to listen to the information about Nikki McCray – Penson a couple of minutes in the past. Liked all the things about Nikki – she was a Corridor of Famer as a participant and as an individual. Could Nikki RIP. “

Woman Vols Sr Ricka Jacksonwho performed below McCray Penson at Mississippi St., additionally expressed his condolences to McCray Penson’s household.

“One of the crucial stunning souls I’ve ever met,” Jackson mentioned. “The one who genuinely got here out to know me once I was so misunderstood. The one who was all the time there.”

“You fought so lengthy and onerous and I am grateful to know you. I really like you, relaxation in peace.”